Calendar

Nashville-based cello/fiddler duo Oliver the Crow are a union built for the airy plains of the South. Their vast sound, which has been called “inspired” by NPR, evokes the wide open spaces surrounding Music City, but grounds itself in the minimal, stripped down instrumentation of cellist KAITLYN RAITZ and fiddler BEN PLOTNICK.

Each of the ten original songs on their first full-length offering unlocks a different musical world. Oliver the Crow navigates effortlessly between the gravitas of chamber composition, the longing of folk music, and the near dreamlike quality of atmospheric sound art. Kaitlyn and Ben’s chameleon-like ability to skip between genres stems from their roots as classically-trained performers (Kaitlyn has a masters degree in classical cello from McGill University and Ben has performed as a soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic) but also from their love of everything from Hank Williams to Prince. Raitz was a founding member of folk duo Bride & Groom, tours with The Bombadils and has performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Station Inn. Ben is a primary member of the JUNO award-winning folk string quartet, The Fretless, and has contributed to hundreds of recordings as one of North America’s elite fiddle players. Their self-titled debut album was crafted in a solar-powered cabin in the middle of nowhere Vermont, over the course of just three and a half days. Kaitlyn and Ben played by natural sunlight during the day, and candlelight in the chilly evenings. They checked on the power level in between takes, made their meals next to the mixing board, and slept near their gear and instruments. Experimental electronic duo SPEAKER FACE, known for combining acoustic instruments and natural sounds with synthesizers to create wild sonic landscapes, produced the record. Speaker Face loved the challenge of evoking drums and guitar while staying faithful to the duo’s instrumentation. “The only sounds on this record are of cello, fiddle, and voice, even though it’s hard to believe at times. We triple checked, in fact. It’s legit.” The result is exquisite. One could get lost listening to the sounds in the shadows of “Bury Me Beneath The Willow Tree”, or following Raitz’ liquid mirror vocals as they echo and bounce off into the distance. But then the hook hits hard, a cello groove demands your immediate attention, and your focus is brought back to the present. The opening track “Sailing with the Tide” is sonically huge, anthemic, and seems to span space and time. “Glass” has Raitz’ vocals sounding silver and haunting, while “Sam River,” the only instrumental track on the record, shows off Oliver the Crow’s chops as brilliant composers and sonic manipulators. One thing is certain: Oliver the Crow cannot be defined by genre, and yet is timeless, indelible. Kaitlyn and Ben have mastered the art of anchoring a folk song in epic pop sensibility, and it’s exhilarating to hear them smash all the rules.

Lotus Wight is most noted for his work as performer, composer and instrument maker for international folk retro-nauts Sheesham, Lotus and Son.

In 2016 Lotus won the Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Best Solo Instrumental Album for his release “Lotus Wight’s Ode to the Banjo”. Lotus’ solo show focuses on the banjo’s rich history from its roots in West Africa to its sometimes dubious role as America’s instrument, playing and singing rare old versions of rare old tunes.

Playing with Lotus will be local old-time fiddler and luthier Winsome Sarol, a long-time friend and collaborator.

Joining Lotus on stage is Luke Mercier. Luke is master violin maker / restorer and an accomplished musician / composer residing in Spring Brook On. His musical interests range from classical piano to Traditional Folk Roots and Country-Blues music where you may catch him playing fiddle, banjo, mandolin or singing with his guitar.

Will you participate? Will you be manipulated? Will you listen? Will you really listen?

With no rehearsals, no director, a different actor each night, and a script waiting in a sealed envelope on stage, internationally acclaimed White Rabbit Red Rabbit, by Iranian writer Nassim Soleimanpour, is an audacious theatrical experiment and a potent reminder of the transgressive and transformative power of theatre.

On the evening of August 4th The Old Church Theatre in association with Aurora Nova, presents White Rabbit Red written by Nassim Soleimanpour. Mihal Zada will see the script for the first time that night and perform this unique play.

Forbidden to leave his native Iran, Soleimanpour wrote a play which travelled the world in his place. The audience joins each different performer on a journey into the unknown; stumbling upon the personal and profound, the limits of liberty and ultimately where theatre can take you. Since its joint premiere in 2011, the play has been translated into over 25 different languages and has been performed over 1000 times by some of the biggest names in theatre and film, including actors Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, John Hurt, Simon McBurney, Stephen Fry, Sinead Cusack, Marcus Brigstocke and Ken Loach.

“Nassim Soleimanpour is a fiercely – even frighteningly – original voice, and a thrillingly adept craftsman… Go see!” The Skinny

“Wildly unpredictable and completely unforgettable, White Rabbit Red Rabbit is a punch in the air for self-expression; a testament to the power of words to transcend cultures and borders. You have to be there.” New Zealand Herald

Nassim Soleimanpour is an independent multidisciplinary theatre maker from Tehran, Iran. His plays have been translated into 20 languages. Best known for his play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, written to travel the world when he couldn’t, his work has been awarded the Dublin Fringe Festival Best New Performance, Summerworks Outstanding New Performance Text Award and The Arches Brick Award (Edinburgh Fringe) as well as picking up nominations for a Total Theatre and Brighton Fringe Pick of Edinburgh Award.

By the time Nassim was permitted to travel for the first time in early 2013, his play White Rabbit Red Rabbit had been performed over 1000 times in 20 languages. Since then Nassim has facilitated workshops and panels in different countries including World Theatre Festival (Brisbane), Tolhuistuin (Amsterdam), SESC Vila Mariana (Sao Paulo), Schauspielhaus (Vienna), DPAC (Kuala Lampur), Theatertreffen (Berlin), British Council (London), Asia House (London) and University of Bremen (Germany).

Nassim’s second play Blind Hamlet for the London based Actors Touring Company premiered at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has since toured extensively around the UK and was received well in Bucharest and Copenhagen. His third play BLANK premiered in November 2015 at Dancing on the Edge Festival in Amsterdam and Utrecht followed by performances at Radar Festival in London.

2017 saw the premiere of Nassim’s latest play, the eponymously titled NASSIM which features the playwright himself on stage. Co-produced by the Bush Theatre in London, the play premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to great acclaim, winning the prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award. Nassim now lives in Berlin with his wife Shirin and dog Echo, and tours the world with NASSIM while working on new material for the stage.

Note: This play is NOT overtly political, and should not be portrayed as such. It operates on a deeper, metaphoric level, and very expressly avoids overt political comment. All media and press agents have to keep in mind that the playwright is an Iranian native. We therefore ask the press to be judicious in their reportage.

Howard Baer returns to the Old Church Theatre with the Suzi & Doug Jazz Duo. It promises to be a fun night filled of energy, great music and fun stories! Grounded in a background of musical theatre, Suzi Wesson & Doug Balfour present an eclectic mix of jazz standards, quirky, obscure and genre-crossing songs, plus beautiful originals.

Suzi Wesson cut her teeth on jazz, but her effortless soaring vocals make her sought-after by Dixieland, Blues and Rock bands. A veteran music theatre performer, she toured extensively with Les Misérables as far afield as Anchorage and Honolulu.

As a singer-songwriter, she also composed and music-directed The 401 Show, but her favourite stage performance has to be Canadian Stage’s The House of Martin Guerre, where she shared the stage with her yet-unborn youngest son. Most recently, Suzi was a featured vocalist at Jazz FM’s One-Stop Vocal Jazz Safari.

Doug Balfour – piano

Doug spent many years in Vancouver, where he worked with singers Karin Plato, Lee Aaron and Michael Bublé. Music directing credits include Forever Plaid, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Rock and Roll, and Don Messer’s Jubilee.He has played Wicked, Sunset Blvd, Phantom, Ragtime, and in the Jessie Award-winning big band for Forever Swing. An accomplished classical pianist and composer, Doug wrote the incidental music for the Arts Club’s Intimate Apparel… and just to switch things up, Doug also plays with legend Robbie Lane & the Disciples.

Howard Baer – upright bass

On the heels of a 38yr career in studio recording as composer-arranger-producer creating music for IMAX, CBC-TV, Solitudes and numerous educational music programs for kids, having had over 7000 of his arrangements recorded, and having been honoured with several JUNO nominations for his work, Howard, a Warkworth resident, has changed musical direction.

Previously a keyboardist, trumpet player and conductor, now Howard now enjoys playing various styles of music: jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, R&B, folk and classical …as an upright bassist. His main focus has been playing in various jazz configurations and coordinating music presentations for dining venues, festivals, weddings & special events. For more information please visit baeronbass.wordpress.com.

A Nigerian acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter currently based in Toronto, Kunle’s folk and soul music bridges contemporary styles with roots in West African rhythms and stories. Kunle brings together his rich vocals, unique guitar tapping, harmonica and talking drum to take audiences into what he terms ‘music with no boundaries’.

Kunle is thrilled to be returning to Old Church Theatre to share music from his newest project, called “Freedom”. Drawing from his personal experiences and what he sees in the world today, Kunle’s songs explore what it means to be free in all senses of the word — freedom from racism, freedom from mental health issues and the freedom to explore your dreams and live your values.

This summer, Kunle can be found playing Summerfolk Music Festival in Ontario, Playing the Park Music Series in Toronto and Africa Day festival in Hamburg Germany. Kunle has previously performed at Mariposa Folk Festival, Blue Skies Folk Festival and Peterborough Folk Festival. Kunle’s song “My Little Fingers” was awarded for best instrumental by Folk Music Ontario in 2015.

Ryan (bass, vocals) and Sam (guitar, vocals) have traveled relentlessly, shared stages with rock royalty, and recorded studio work with the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Hawkins and Willie Nelson.

“The two of us have been playing music together all our lives,” says Sam Weber. “When you’ve done that much together, it becomes kind of telepathic in a way.

You know what to do without saying too much. Over the years we’ve played with some amazing musicians, dozens of incarnations of the band. But the common thread was always me and Ryan.”

2016’s feature documentary “Before We Arrive: The Story of the Weber Brothers” , tells of their tumultuous journey through the hard-luck world of music. From their early days under the tutelage of rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins and his fabled “Rock n Roll Bootcamp”, to countless tours across countries and oceans, the brothers’ work ethic and unspoken chemistry always shine through.

“It’s always been important to us, recording or performing, to keep evolving, to try something different. While the duo act is kind of where it all began, it’s also a chance to develop material we haven’t done that much live. A different approach. A little more raw. Just two instruments and two voices. Embracing the space.”

As evidenced by 12 independent albums, and their legions of loyal fans across the country, The Weber Brothers always deliver a powerful performance.

“I think it has a lot to do with how we came up. Ronnie Hawkins really instilled that. You have to play, practice and work hard. It’s a responsibility in the end.

Good enough isn’t good enough,” adds Sam. “There are a lot of awesome people who believe in what we’re doing. We owe them our best.”

The Old Church Delinquents (OCD) Jam Band will be at it again Sunday September 9th, 2018.

You’ve seen them play the Blues…You’ve seen them play R n B and Soul…Now, for the first time (and maybe the last), see and hear them play great classic rock favorites on the “No Hard Feelings Tour”. Yes, Rett is actually going to play classic rock.

The Old Church Jam Band still features keyboard master Stevie C, the great rhythm section of Mickey Ace on the bass and Big Eddie on drums. Also the twin-guitar attack of Campbell and Wills.

From 2pm – 4pm Sunday September 9th 2018. Doors open at 1:30….seating is limited so come early.

An added special feature to this year’s Doors Open is Quinte West’s hidden gem, the Old Church Theatre. There will be live music, an afternoon of busking with Saskia Tomkins and friends who will be playing a traditional Irish-Scottish Ceilidh.

The Old Church Theatre has a bar featuring craft beers and local wines. Light lunches available in this great atmosphere, open between noon and 4 pm.

When grit and groove meets softly swaying silk, the thrift-folk* of Liv Cazzola & Braden Phelan comes to life. With an electric chemistry and quick-witted sense of humour, they’ve threaded their colours and textures together to create the terrifying two-headed kitten that is Tragedy Ann. Playing with folk and alt. blues yarns, Cazzola and Phelan are a pair of accomplished mood-setters, storytellers, and chill-givers.

Having toured across Canada, performed at prominent folk festivals and released their debut EP Stumbling in 2016, the pair is currently charming listening rooms around Ontario, and working on their full-length record. Tragedy Ann is known to make audiences laugh, cry, hug complete strangers, and is the only cure for the common cold. Bring the purr.

*Thrift-Folk: An amalgamation of well-worn musical fabrics that are repurposed and given new life in a bold and dynamic fashion. Playing guitar/accordion/ukulele-driven tunes, Liv Cazzola & Braden Phelan are dedicated and diverse songwriters who put particular focus on engaging and thought-provoking lyrics.

Emily Burgess (guitar), Jesse Whiteley (keyboards) and Jonny Wong (tenor saxophone) are three musicians with plenty of experience between them performing, recording, and touring across the Canadian blues scene, most notably from their time playing together in The 24th Street Wailers (2009-2014).

They have spent years honing their craft and getting to know each other’s playing styles and nuances. It reflects Burgess, Whiteley & Wong as a cohesive unit, where each member anticipates what the other will do. They’ve performed all over North America at festivals such as the Vancouver Island Music Festival, The Blues Sur Seine, Folk on the Rocks, and the Ottawa Blues festival. They have had the privilege of sharing the stage with artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Matt Andersen, Morgan Davis, Jackie Richardson, and the Sojourners to name a few.

Their show revisits what makes music so compelling: passion and fun. With a honking horn, blazing guitar, and slick piano, their performances are known to be high-energy crowd pleasers that get the audience on their feet. Coupled with their on stage chemistry it provides an experience you won’t soon forget. Burgess, Whiteley and Wong are joined by the dynamic combination of brothers Rico and Marcus Browne on bass and drums respectively.

Mimi O’Bonsawin is an Award winning, Contemporary roots songwriter who is inspired by her French Canadian and indigenous heritage . Her latest record ‘ Connected ‘ is rooted in story telling and sheds light on her unique perspective. Her brand new single ” You Found Me ” is one from her songwriting books and gives us insight into her journey . You can find her music and videos via www.mimi.ca or stream her songs on Spotify.

Mimi has been performing music since the young age of 7 years old when she performed the national anthem at the parliament of Canada for Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. From there, she began establishing her own events as well as participating in local telethons and talent shows.

Inspired by her roots as an indigenous and French-Canadian woman, she began writing at the age of 14 and performing in more areas around Ontario, Canada. By the time she turned 17 she started crafting her debut album with a Canadian music producer which was officially launched in 2014. She received airplay on radio, sold out CD release concerts and over the last few years she has been establishing her roots as a songwriter and performing at festivals such as MIDEM (in Cannes, France), Beaches Jazz Festival, and Northern Lights Festival. On top of her quick success, she also

We’rs so happy to have Mimi return to the Old Church Theatre and this time bringing Ryan Schurman. It’ll be an intimate concert to showcase new works collected over the past year as well as favorites from Mimi’s two records.

Scottish duo The Jellyman’s Daughter lands squarely in the middle of a strange crossroads between bluegrass, post-rock, folk and soul. Mixing their unique vocal harmonies with wild and visceral cello, driving guitar and sweet mandolin, Emily and Graham write their songs together with a focus on doing something new.

After making each other’s acquaintance in the inspiring setting of Edinburgh, the pair soon found a love for playing music with each other, staying up into the wee hours making home recordings. After cutting their teeth busking the streets, playing covers creatively reworked to incorporate Graham’s rhythmic, percussive cello playing and the affinity in the duo’s vocal harmonies, they began writing original material.

The release of their debut album in 2014 saw them receive a huge amount of radio exposure, and reviewers unanimously agreed that something totally appealing had come on to the scene. The Sunday Herald (Scotland) made it one of their Top Albums of The Year while Maverick magazine described them as “fascinating” and said they demonstrated “originality by the bucket­load”. “Heartily recommended” by Folking.com, Acoustic magazine told readers they “kick up a heck of a storm,” while The Daily Express called the duo “a match made in heaven”.

They started 2015 as they meant to go on, winning even more praise following bigger­-exposure live performances, including a nomination for Best Acoustic Act in the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, and spreading their wings much further afield, spending a month touring Germany, The Netherlands and Denmark. After a successful appearance at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City early in the year, Emily and Graham spent 2016 gigging extensively, including a tour of Canada in September. In 2017, after a return visit to Folk Alliance in February with an official showcase, they have been focusing on putting the finishing touches on their second album, while 2018 will see them release the album and tour the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, sustaining the momentum that has earned them exceptional praise so far.

“Graham can make his instrument as percussive as a drum, as grounded as a bass or as sweet as a fiddle… when Kelly and Coe sing together, their harmonies squeeze the heart.”

– Alan Morrison, The Herald Scotland

“A really original sound… really enjoying that”

– Ricky Ross, BBC Radio Scotland

“Their sound is fresh, personal and well worth a listen”

– Folk Radio UK

“Music with substance… Chock full of acoustic talent and a husky, smoky lyricism”

– is this music?

“A rounded and quality piece of work. Sharing lead vocals ensures that there is variety in delivery with neither of the duo outshining the other although the richness of Coe’s cello is the one constant throughout… All songs stand alone with no weak links”

John is a British progressive rock keyboardist and singer from Liverpool. Classically trained on keyboard and voice his first major break came in 1985 when he auditioned and became part of Uli Jon Roth’s band (ex-Scorpions). After a World Tour, John spent his time doing studio and session work with artists as diverse as Steeleye Span and Bon Jovi. Subsequently, John Wetton asked him to join Asia for two European tours after which he joined Paul Rodgers and Kenny Jones in a short-lived band called The Law. John played with Bonnie Tyler in the mid-1990s and has since worked with her all over the world. In 2001, he joined the Scorpions for a world tour to promote their Acoustica album. In the same year, he was co-writing the Fish album Fellini Days with John Wesley and appeared on the resulting live album Fellini Nights. He has also worked as part of the regenerated Greenslade, appearing on the albums Large Afternoon and Live 2001.

Astrid Young opens, accompanied by the Grand Dame of all things strings, Saskia Tomkins. Astrid is a singer-songwriter with influences that range from classical to heavy rock, with a healthy dose of blues and country in between. Her discography dates back to 1984 and boasts over forty releases, from bands that she has played in, to artists for whom she has sang backup for or played with as a side-musician. Her solo acoustic shows have been compared to “Alice In Chains Unplugged”, and Music Connection Magazine once said she was “More closely related to Angus”. She has played stages large and small all over the world, from the Whiskey-A-Go-Go in Hollywood to Paradiso in Amsterdam. Astrid cites her primary influences as David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, and Black Sabbath, she plays a 12-string like it’s a weapon and she isn’t afraid to change strings on the day of a show.

FUN FACTS: Though John and Astrid share a surname, they are not related. They met almost 30 years ago at the NAMM show in Los Angeles and bonded over each other’s music while sitting in John’s rental car, listening to their respective CASSETTE TAPES. This little Canadian mini-tour is the first time that they have shared a stage or even been in the same room together since that day.

Award-winning songwriter and touring folk-roots artist, Alan Rhody released his tenth album collection, “Farther On” April, 2017. The new disc includes co-writes with Guy Clark, Murray McLauchlan and others, plus a feast of solo works.

Over his prolific career, Rhody has played thousands of shows and recorded with greats such as John Prine, John Hartford, Sam Bush, David Rawlings and Maura O’Connell. His music has been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” And he’s made numerous network TV appearances in the U.S. and Canada.

His five most recent albums are available on CD. He’s also had poems and lyrics published in “Filtered Through Time,” an anthology drawn from forty-seven writers from around the U.S. reflecting on the 150th anniversary of The Civil War. The book is available at concerts and at his website.

But as Rhody often mentions during his performances, “Royalties don’t last forever, as many may think. It’s all about current activity. I was very fortunate to have landed with a great publisher in 1976, staying with them for ten years. But performing has always been what I love to do best and is also what has kept me going over the years.”

In addition to his music, Rhody, is also an accomplished painter and a graduate of The Art Center School, University of Louisville. He’s won a few awards in painting over the years and exhibits whenever possible and usually has hand-painted T-shirts available at his performances. His website includes an Art Page with a few samples of his work.

www.alanrhody.com

“Music City troubadour Alan Rhody has a new CD titled Farther On. It features his songwriting collaborations with Guy Clark, Murray McLauchlan and Don Henry, as well as a feast of solo works. Not the least of which is his No. 1 hit sung by The Oak Ridge Boys in 1978. Rhody’s guitar-vocal version is stunning, revealing just how powerful the original, long version of the song really is. This fellow is one of those rare individuals who can hold you completely spellbound with just his axe and his voice.” -Robert K. Oermann, music critic, author, historian.

On the last Sunday on the month join us at the Old Church Theatre when Saskia Tomkins takes the stage. Each month she brings with her new and amazing talent!

Saskia Tomkins

On October 28th Saskia’s bringing musicians closer to home; she has intived her husband Steáfán Hannigan and son Oisín Hannigan, both master musicians, for some good solid Irish music with a twist, accompanied by stories and really bad dad jokes.

Guitarist Brian Legere, educator & performer and bassist Howard Baer, performer & studio veteran, return to Old Church for round two of ‘Music Is For Everyone’, a performance workshop designed for musicians and performers of all levels. For those who joined us for the first round (held at Old Church during the spring months of 2018) we will be following a similar path but diving in with a little more depth and discussing some new ideas. For newcomers it’ll be as if you haven’t missed anything at all! Join us as we explore elements of rhythm, sound and song structure; discover listening techniques and learn how best to share the stage with others. We will talk about some exciting rehearsal and performance tools. There will be lots of surprises and plenty of opportunity to try out some of your performance material in a friendly and helpful collaborative setting. Join us!

The Old Church Theatre presents an evening (and an afternoon) of one-act plays by Belleville playwright Peter Paylor. Together, the three plays are guaranteed to take the audience on both a theatrical and an emotional ride; one’s pure comedy, another’s pure drama, the third walks the fine line in between. At the heart of each is the same basic question: What do we really know about the people we meet or, for that matter, what do we know about the people we see day after day? It’s a simple question, but the answer is not always as simple as it seems.

The Old Church Theatre presents (an evening) and an afternoon of one-act plays by Belleville playwright Peter Paylor. Together, the three plays are guaranteed to take the audience on both a theatrical and an emotional ride; one’s pure comedy, another’s pure drama, the third walks the fine line in between. At the heart of each is the same basic question: What do we really know about the people we meet or, for that matter, what do we know about the people we see day after day? It’s a simple question, but the answer is not always as simple as it seems.

Mayhemingways are an eclectic and full-sounding duo from the musical hotbed of Peterborough, Ontario. Their music drifts timelessly from folk-rock to traditional to country to something brand new. The band has been described as fuzz-folk with Cajun, bluegrass, and Celtic influences.

Their first full-length album “Hunter St Blues” was just released this Spring and was produced and engineered in Nanton, AB by Steve Loree (Ian Tyson, Corb Lund, Petunia). The album is a follow up to their first EP (2013) engineered by James McKenty (Blue Rodeo, Cuff the Duke, The Weber Brothers) at former school house near Peterborough.

Mayhemingways have toured Canada relentlessly since forming in 2013. Coast to coast tours have become common place for the group. Like bands of old, on and off the highways, building a fan base across the nation with each tour. The duo performs in almost every province and territory in 2016. Their tours in Spring and Summer will include appearances at: Trails, Tales and Tunes Festival in Gros Morne, Newfoundland, Paddlefest in St. Andrew’s, New Brunswick, and Wild Oats and Notes in Toefield, Alberta. .

Joey Wright is a Juno-nominated songwriter, composer and performer from Toronto. Joey is well known for his lyrical and inspired guitar and mandolin playing. He is also highly regarded for his compositions and songwriting.

Guitarist Brian Legere, educator & performer and bassist Howard Baer, performer & studio veteran, return to Old Church for round two of ‘Music Is For Everyone’, a performance workshop designed for musicians and performers of all levels. For those who joined us for the first round (held at Old Church during the spring months of 2018) we will be following a similar path but diving in with a little more depth and discussing some new ideas. For newcomers it’ll be as if you haven’t missed anything at all! Join us as we explore elements of rhythm, sound and song structure; discover listening techniques and learn how best to share the stage with others. We will talk about some exciting rehearsal and performance tools. There will be lots of surprises and plenty of opportunity to try out some of your performance material in a friendly and helpful collaborative setting. Join us!

We’re continuing our tradition at the Old Church and offering a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with Peter and Carol Snell, Richard and Rita Turtle, Astrid Young, Catherine Langlois and Rick Zimmerman as our readers this year. Our musical interludes will be played by Howard Baer.

Join us for a unique, Sunday afternoon. Book a seat for only $15 and please bring an item for the Trenton Care and Share Food Bank if you can.

The O’Pears are a Toronto-based contemporary folk trio made up of Lydia Persaud, Jill Harris and Meg Contini, three songwriters who weave stories that stir the spirit and capture the timeless character of folk music.

Like Those Nights, their debut album, captures soaring harmonies and a seamless blend, evoking the profound intimacy of Nick Drake, the sister-like blend of The Staves and the dynamic harmony of Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Live performances turn the loudest bar into the warmest house concert, with their endearing, unabashed personalities balancing the intimate sincerity of the songs. They recently performed to high acclaim at festivals such as Summerfolk, Great Heart Festival, Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, garnered radio play across Canada, including CBC, and have been featured live with Royal Wood, Good Lovelies, Michelle Willis, and Coco Love Alcorn. Each band member a distinctly talented musician with a stand-alone voice, style, and stage presence, when these three come together it is breathtaking. A striking mix of tight a cappella and rootsy instrumentation, Like Those Nights explores lessons learned about love and loss through the eyes and hearts of young Canadian storytellers. The O’Pears continue to bring a strong, honest voice to the modern female perspective.

The Weber Brothers return to the Old Church Theatre for a duo performance. Featuring songs from their 2015 original Christmas album “A Weber Brothers Christmas” and their 2016 holiday comedy film “When Christmas Falls on Peterborough” this show will highlight the best of The Weber Brothers with a Christmas twist.

Come and celebrate the winter solstice with Live music featuring Saskia Tomkins, Steafan Hannigan and Martha Cooper, who will play celtic music and call dances to go with the music, ceili-style.

No experience, and no partner, necessary. Contra dance is a folk dance characterized by long lines of couples and the caller teaches dances on the spot. You can also just come to watch and listen. Fun for all!

Come on out to the Old Church Theatre for some improv comedy with The Improvmonauts. They say that laughter is the best medicine…so…you know…it’s science. Be there!!! It’s pay-what-you-can at the door.

Come to Church and relive the fabulous swing era of the 1930s & 40s— the music of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Ella, Billie, Duke… and Tommy Dorsey! Big Band music reimagined by five performers, a perfect band size for the Old Church stage! Upright bassist Howard Baer is joined by trombonist Andy Sparling, guitarist Michael Monis and drummer David Monis all backing the ‘classy, sassy, sophisticated’ jazz vocalist Lenni Stewart. Don’t miss this one!

Veteran performers Ginny McIlmoyle and Steve Piticco, singers/song-writers and guitar pickers, team up with Howard Baer on Bass for an afternoon of Country & Bluegrass at Old Church Theatre. For this performance they will be joined by special guest, award-winning Canadian Fiddler, Alanna Jenish.

Ginny is well established in the Country Music Genere and has recently become a part of an up an coming bluegrass band called SWEETGRASS…always aiming high to achieve new music variety, and staying true too her country roots. ￼ Ginny grew up in rural Ontario working in the fields hoeing, and weeding crops on one of the neighboring farms as a young teen. Finding love and settling down in her early 20’s she devoted her time as loving wife & mom, working in health care. As a hobby Ginny often wrote poetry as a way of expressing her thoughts & feelings. It wasn’t until her husband Jim bought her a guitar and with a little encouragement, gave her another direction in life. Music became the bond in which the whole family could be involved in, as much or as little as they wished.

STEVE PITICCO

“I truly love Country, Bluegrass & Texas-Swing although I have played almost all kinds of music in my 39 professional years in the music business. I have been truly blessed to play with almost everyone I’ve grown up listening to. I love my 1976 Telecaster I bought new in Jan, 77 & still play it today. I play “Lead, Bass, Steel, Baritone, Dobro, Banjo” & pick an Accoustic & Mandolin. I play with South Mountain which is a band we started in 1989 & still tour Europe & Scandinavia every year. I am the only original, full-time member although most of what I do is, sessions & freelancing, live. I thank all of you, for your interest in my playing :)”

HOWARD BAER

On the heels of a 38yr career in studio recording as composer-arranger-producer creating music for IMAX, CBC-TV, Solitudes and numerous educational music programs for kids, having had over 7000 of his arrangements recorded, and having been honoured with several JUNO nominations for his work, Howard Baer, a Warkworth resident, has changed musical direction. Previously a keyboardist, trumpet player and conductor, Howard now enjoys playing various styles of music: jazz, swing, blues, country, bluegrass, R&B, folk and classical …as an upright bassist. His main focus has been playing in various jazz configurations and coordinating music presentations for dining venues, festivals, weddings & special events. For more information please visit baeronbass.wordpress.com.

ALANNA JENISH

An award-winning fiddle player, and accomplished classical musician, Alanna grew up in an Irish-Canadian family of traditional music lovers. Her musical journey began at the age of 6 when she started classical piano lessons, and soon expanded to include the fiddle shortly thereafter. With a keen ear and natural feel for the music, Alanna won her first junior fiddle championship after only 9 months of playing, and has since accumulated numerous awards and championship titles.

Now in her early twenties, Alanna has over ten years of performance experience under her belt, and is widely sought after as both a lead and back up musician. She has toured professionally with groups such as the Scott Woods Band, as well as The Great Canadian Fiddle Show,and maintains a busy schedule freelancing for numerous bands and solo artists. As a studio musician, Alanna has completed work for Canadian Country group Runaway Angel, as well as folk artists Hunter Sheridan and County West. This past fall, Alanna was honoured to be nominated as Fiddle Player of the Year (CCBAs).

As a classical musician, Alanna earned her Bachelor of Music with Honours from the University of Toronto in 2017. She completed her Grade 10 Royal Conservatory Violin Exam in 2012, and has also achieved advanced certification in Music Theory. Alanna has enjoyed playing in ensembles such as the La Jeunnesse Youth Orchestra (of which she was given the honour of sitting as concertmaster for two seasons), and the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra throughout her undergraduate degree.

Alanna’s dedication to her instrument, paired with an intuitive feel for the music has earned her great respect on the Ontario music scene.

My Father’s Son, an indie folk song-writer from Montreal, QC, melds together intricate lyrics with the richness of simplified, acoustic sound. Singer/songwriter Mark Kulmala released his first album, Heart of Wood, in the fall of 2018.. The album’s themes of fleeting innocence, love’s lost and found, determination, and the simple beauty of the landscape are sure to resonate with listeners. Having played in varying bands, in a variety of genres, over the years this endeavour sees a paired down amalgamation of lived experiences, both personal and musical, poetically creating emotionally complex but subdued, reflective songs. An air of storytelling colours the music with sentimental and wholly relatable verses that immerse the audience in the beauty of shared experiences.

My Father’s Son joined Toronto super-group, Dead Flowers, for their set at the 2017 Hillside Festival.

My Father’s Son is currently recording his sophomore album with Paul Pfisterer (The Beauties, Laser, RHYE) at Freckles Farm Studio in Mono, Ontario. The album features Broken Social Scene’s Lisa Lobsinger and is being mixed by Dean Nelson, who previously worked as Beck’s day-to-day audio engineer. Broken Social Scene and Stars FOH Engineer, Marty Kinack, is mastering the record. “The Greatest Thaw” will be released in June, 2019.

Anna (piano, vocals) grew up in various states and provinces, but her family ties connect her to rural Manitoba. Her musical roots trace back to classical piano studies and the inspiration of dance and theatre. She graduated from New York University with a masters degree in music composition, and since has collaborated internationally with film directors, dancers, and fellow songwriters. Anna released a solo album in 2013.

Patrick (guitar, vocals) was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up in Fergus, Ontario. His music lineage goes back to the family campfire and songbook. He studied music at Vancouver Community College and at Hunter College in Manhattan. Patrick has spent many years representing Canada in wheelchair basketball; he is a three-time Paralympic gold medalist and largely considered the world’s best wheelchair basketball player.

The Lay Awakes released their debut EP in 2015 and their debut LP “Home Away From Home” in 2018.

The songs on their debut full-length album, Home Away From Home, feature a handful of appearances by Patrick on lead vocals, but more often it is Anna’s hauntingly beautiful voice that takes the lead. It is a voice that, particularly on the softer, more atmospheric songs, is at once darkly sweet, and then instantly light and quiet as if she were right beside you. It is a rare gift to be able to impart such intimacy with the listener, but Anna’s voice, in combination with the emotional openness of the compositions makes songs like the title track Home Away from Home and Babe Are You Sure immeasurably compelling. Home Away From Home is produced by Jeremy McDonald, a Pittsburgh native, whose production credits include Beyoncé and Kevin Garrett. The mixing engineer is the Grammy Award winning Will Hensley, who has worked with such artists as Coldplay, Regina Spektor, Leonard Cohen, and John Mayer. No doubt, the work of both Jeremy and Will has resulted in an LP that comes across as solid and mature, but still falls fresh on seasoned ears. The Lay Awakes bring a mature, dynamic, and versatile approach to the singer/songwriter genre, leaning more to the refined adult contemporary pop side than the more acoustic/folk sound commonly associated with the genre. It is a credit to the duo as songwriters and musicians that Home Away from Home is so diverse in tone, emotional dexterity, tempo, and production sensibilities, going from lush, to evocatively sparse. What ties everything together is Patrick and Anna’s voices, uninhibited lyrical authenticity, and that “X factor” that simply makes you want to be a part of what they’re doing.

Nigel has toured extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand and he’s performed at a long list of Australian music festivals, including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Cygnet Folk Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival. He’s also shared shows with the likes of All Our Exes Live in Texas (AUS), Lindsay Lou (USA), Tennyson King (CAN), Jordie Lane (AUS) and the late great Billy Thorpe (AUS).

From stories of social justice and observation, to emotional reflection and historical tales, Nigel draws inspiration from everyday people from all walks of life. Some songs are autobiographical and personal, but many are other people’s stories. For Nigel, music is a candid, human and important messenger for stories and moments in time.

Almost a decade ago, he spent 3 months travelling across Canada from west to east. From the Rocky Mountains, to the mosaic of Montréal and back to the graffiti adorned streets of Toronto, it was a trip marked with poetic meanderings and self-discovery. By the time he got to Halifax he had a bag of new songs that became his 2012 album ‘Black Crow’. ‘Black Crow’ garnered wide critical acclaim including a 4 star review in Rolling Stone Magazine, a nomination for Best Country Album at The Age Music Victoria Awards and it debuted at #1 on the AMRAP Great Southern Charts.

In his first Canadian tour, Nigel will spend 3 weeks on the road touring his current album ‘Drawing Circles’, a solo record that’s raw, compelling and reflective. With songs born of shadows and lucid reveries, the 14-song double album explores the dark corners of creativity and the irregular swells of life. A storyteller at heart, he paints lyrical pictures with “the narrative-fuelled prose of Paul Kelly” – Beat Magazine. “One of Australia’s emerging songwriters” – Tone Deaf. “Warmth flecked with grit… beauty awaits” 4 Stars – Rolling Stone.

Who said: “Most pub quizzes are crap. Let’s not kid ourselves – no one ever learned anything useful from a pub quiz. If you want to learn something useful, ask Google or Alexa or that blowhard who sits at the bar and thinks he knows everything. And while most pub quizzes have almost no educational value whatsoever, they are, if anything, less entertaining than they are educational. They are sad and boring and dreary. They exist only so that one sad, boring, dreary person can call themselves the champion of the sad, the boring and the dreary.”

The BIG F’n Quiz at the Old Church Theatre is not like most pub quizzes. It is neither sad nor boring nor dreary. It’s not your grandmother’s pub quiz either (unless your grandmother was a potty-mouthed sailor). Hosted by Peter Paylor and Lisa Morris, the BIG F’n Quiz lets you compete against two highly-skilled special guest teams of non-blowhards – Rob and Sarah Skinner from Marmora and Ed Hamstra and Brian Weston from Hornchurch via Chipstead and Caterham—for the title of “Big F’n Champion”. It’s also okay just to come and watch. You’ll have fun.

Randy’s mantra has become familiar to music fans throughout the region: Sad Songs & Funny Songs, I DON’T PLAY LOVE SONGS. He’s done for music what Anthony Hopkins did for romantic comedy.

Now he’s got his sights set on Valentine’s Day. There will be nothing but oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the air when Randy takes the stage at the Old Church Theatre on behalf of the lovelorn, the lovesick and the romantically skeptical. He’s hidden the roses, eaten the chocolates and, for good measure, he’s tied Cupid up in the shed for SAin’t Valentine’s Day, a ‘Valentine for the Rest of Us’, something to sing about – that doesn’t wear its heart on its sleeve.

SAin’t Valentine’s Day, will be presented at Old Church Theatre on Thursday, February 14 with a prix fixe dinner beginning at 6 PM – and the performance starting at 7 PM.

Randy Stewart is a Canadian singer/songwriter who has been performing professionally for more than 30 years. He has been seen on television, heard on radio and recorded by the CBC. His recordings can be found in the delete bins of some of the country’s finest record stores – and his new song Buck-A-Beer is currently an internet sensation on Youtube. Originally from Northwestern Ontario, he now lives on a small farm outside Trenton Ontario.

“I’ve heard many times over the years, that Valentine’s Day isn’t necessarily a day that everyone looks forward to,” he grins. “Well maybe I’ve found my calling.”

His set list is an eclectic mix of country, folk, jazz standards and pop – along with some originals – all skillfully avoiding matters of the heart.

“There’s a lot of performers out there singing about love and relationships – I’m just not one of ‘em”.

Tickets for this one-of-a-kind evening are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Or, for only $20, include dinner of Old Church chili, homemade biscuits and a choice of heavenly desserts.

Standout tracks like “Hard Enough” and “It Goes Bad” rumble with the force of Kings Of Leon and recent Springsteen, providing the foundation for Ireland’s gripping vocals. Elsewhere, the rough and ready twang of “Time And Again” and “Downtown Habit” reimagines classic Americana, much like Ryan Adams did upon leaving his band Whiskeytown. Then there are the atmospheric ballads “Behind The Scenes” and “Silver Screen,” painted with broad strokes of haunting pedal steel, which reveal the depth of Ireland’s songwriting.

The Peterborough, Ontario-based Ireland has already made his mark on the Canadian music scene through his former band Express And Company. Their 2013 album, Ontario, contained the single “Carry Me Along,” which received heavy airplay on CBC Radio 2 and 3, and helped land showcases at the Mariposa Folk Festival and the Peterborough Folk Festival—he earned the Emerging Artist Award at both—as well as South By Southwest.

Overall, Every Other Night marks a new phase in Ireland’s musical evolution, building upon his past work with a fresh and fearless songwriting approach now all his own. As Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor told him, why have a band when you’ve got a rock star name?

It’s time to thaw out from those mid-winter blahs. Come to the Old Church Theatre for The Improvmonauts on Ice and enjoy some improv comedy (enjoyment subject to your sense of humour). It’s that time of year when you can wither away inside your home. Don’t wither away!!! Leave your home and go to the Old Church Theatre (which is, I admit, inside…but not your home!) for some ice smashing laughs (ice not included). Pay-what-you-can at the door.

Roxanne de Bastion from London, England and Nashville, Tennessee based singer-songwriter Megan Palmer are two talented singer-songwriters teaming up for a short tour of Ontario. We are fortunate to have them stop by the Old Church Theatre.

Roxanne de Bastion reminds us that great lyrics do have a place in pop music. With a nod to 1960’s psychedelia, Roxanne delivers thoughtful social and personal commentary soaked in piano and cello arrangements. Born in Berlin to a musical, bilingual family, she began composing and performing at the age of 15. Soon after, Roxanne moved to London equipped with her guitar, her songs, and a one-way ticket. She has been touring non-stop in Europe for the past ten years, recently played the Main Stage at Canterbury Folk Festival, has opened for Lucy and Martha Wainwright, Thea Gilmore, Hayes Carll, and many others, and has performed on The Acoustic Stage at The Glastonbury Music Festival!!

“One of the most perfect voices I have ever heard!” -Tom Whalley, BBC 6

“I was completely bowled over by Roxanne. As well as performing, she converses with the audience, charming everyone in the room. If you ever get the chance to go and see her live – definitely do!” -BBC Introducing Coventry

When Ohio-born Megan Palmer began writing songs in earnest somewhere around 2004, she was a violinist gigging with Ontario-based Luther Wright & the Wrongs, known for their bluegrass reworking of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” This exercise in genre twisting serves as well as any to hint at the range of stylistic territory spanned in Palmer’s own music, which straddles the Americana and adult alternative radio formats while drawing from an even wider-ranging palette of influences that she blurs into original hues. Her voice, attractively austere and affectation-free, is nonetheless versatile enough to suit the varied styles housing her intelligent lyrics and deft melodies.

“She expertly communicates in her songs her sense of kindness and compassion even when there’s good reason to behave otherwise. It’s not just something she says, it’s also who she is as an artist and person.” -Aaron Lee Tasjan

“She treats her words with such a welcoming tone that the listener can’t help but be drawn in like a child to the Pied Piper” -Wannabe

Mixing classic country music with modern satire, Ryan Cook has forged a sound between contemporary folk and dyed-in-the wool country. He has shared stages with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Rosanne Cash, and Travis Tritt and has compiled an impressive list of awards and nominations over the year, including three Album of the Year Awards from Music Nova Scotia. His latest album is 2017’s acclaimed Having a Great Time.

As an independent artist Ryan has received over 20 nominations in Canada, three Album of the Year awards in Nova Scotia, and written, produced and published music in Nashville, TN. Ryan has performed on many big stages including the Ryman Auditorium, Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree, CMA Music Festival, Music City Roots, Maverick Music Festival (UK), Stan Rogers Folk Festival (NS), and Cavendish Beach Music Festival (PE). Online Ryan has over a million YouTube views, 5000 Facebook followers, and 2000 Twitter followers. Ryan regularly performs a theatrical musical tribute to Hank Williams Sr. and has performed tributes to Merle Travis, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash. Beginning in 2007 Ryan has performed over 1000 concerts in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Canadian roots/swing duo Over The Moon’s Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell are awarding multi-instrumentalists/vocalists that met, fell in love, got married and discovered their voices blend so well together that people often tear up upon hearing them sing.

Living on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s inevitable there will be a strong sense of place- and the rhythms of the land when you start to make music. When the couple released their debut album, the resonances were there for all to hear. reflecting the pulse of life, lived in a territory that is both dirt-hard rugged and beautiful.

Their music is a wild ride from 40’s sounding western swing and Appalachian old-time, to cowboy blues. Simple and sweet, all of their material has a common thread that speaks of the Canadian west and on their UK release, reviews were glowing. American Roots UK saying it was “Exceptional” and Country Music People adding “There’s so much to enjoy here.” The editor of Maverick Magazine told readers “You will love this” Elmore Magazine, New York “We knew we were on to something special”

When you meet her, Jenie Thai is composed, pleasant, amiable, friendly, and — she won’t like the word but you have to live with it — sweet. She has an open face, long blonde hair, a ready smile and an easy laugh.And she is also tough, and gritty, and plays barrelhouse piano steeped in the blues — and if that wasn’t enough to get your head around, she also writes and sings tough and tender ballads, direct from her heart to yours.There’s a new album, Night on Fire, released on Sept 28, 2018 and — while she now calls Toronto home — she lives on the road, and there’s dust on her shoes, love in her heart, and a whole lot of music in her soul.

Press Quotes

With a combination of contemporary and traditional blues piano, and a fiery passionate voice, Jenie “Thai” Nolan has been making a name for herself across the country and the world. View Article– Vue Weekly, Stephan Boissonneault“If anyone thought about the combination of traits required for a timeless and impactful career, they would most likely be describing the same traits possessed by the featured artist in this edition of Notes & Quotes: Jenie Thai. Although self described as someone who is just emerging onto the music scene, she has an impressive resume in both music academia and press reviews.”– Maple Blues Newsletter, Erin McCallum“Pianist/singer Jenie Thai from Edmonton, now residing in Toronto: Jenie came with questions and loads of confidence.”– FYI Music News, Bill King

Cobourg-based singer-songwriter David Newland is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Inspired by his own Arctic adventures, David’s songs, stories and photographs explore the Canadian fascination with the North. David will perform his new album, Northbound in its entirety in this intimate, passionate performance!

David will be joined by Saskia Tomkins, Steafan Hannigan and Sam Allison.

To find a unique voice on so ubiquitous an instrument as the acoustic guitar is quite an achievement: to do so within a centuries old idiom where the instrument has no real history is truly remarkable.

Tony McManus has come to be recognized throughout the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic Music. From early childhood his twin obsessions of traditional music and acoustic guitar have worked together to produce a startlingly original approach to this ancient art. In Tony’s hands the complex ornamentation normally associated with fiddles and pipes are accurately transferred to guitar in a way that preserves the integrity and emotional impact of the music.

Self taught from childhood, initially through listening to the family record collection, McManus abandoned academia in his twenties to pursue music full time. The session scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh provided the springboard for gigs around Scotland and a studio set for BBC Radio, frequently rebroadcast, began to spread the word.

Tony’s first self titled recording in 1996, followed by Pourquoi Quebec in 1999 led to worldwide recognition. However, it was with the release of Ceol More in 2002 that Tony’s stature as a first class musician reached a new level. Critics hailed the focussed, spell-binding nature of the music, from the plaintive Jewish hymn “Shalom Aleichem” to the ingenious arrangement of the Charles Mingus classic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”. Having been nominated as Musician of the Year by both the BBC Folk Awards and The Scottish Traditonal Music awards, in 2002 “Ceol More” hit the Critic’s Album of the year list in Acoustic Guitar magazine and named “Live Ireland Awards” Album of the Year.

Tony’s work has come to represent Celtic music in the guitar world, making regular appearances at guitar specific events where just a few years ago jigs and reels would be unheard of. He is invited annually to the Chet Atkins Festival in Nashville, has appeared at Guitar Festivals in Soave and Pescantina, Sarzana and Francacorta Italy; Frankston, Australia; Issoudun and Bordeaux France; Kirkmichael, Scotland; Bath and Kent, England; Bochum and Osnabruck, Germany. In 2004 he appeared at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in the “All Star Guitar Night” featuring Steve Morse, Bryan Sutton, Muriel Anderson, Béla Fleck and Victor Wooten and headlined by the legendary Les Paul.

His ability to reach audiences unfamiliar with traditional music is remarkable- he is quite comfortable at predominantly classical events such as the Dundee and Derry Guitar Festivals (appearing six times between the two) the Uppsala Guitar Festival and even The Bogotá International Guitar Festival where he followed virtuoso Eduardo Fernandez.

Today his live work ranges from intimate solo performance through his trio with brothers Gary and Greg Grainger to the quartet Men of Steel (with fellow guitarists Dan Crary, Beppe Gambetta and Don Ross). He is an enthusiastic collaborator both as a leader and as a sideman having worked with, among many others Dougie McLean, Phil Cunningham, Mairi MacInnes, Liam O’Flynn, Martin Simpson, Kevin Burke, Alison Brown, Martyn Bennett, Natalie MacMaster, Patrick and Jacky Molard, Mairead ní Mhoanaigh and Dermot Byrne, The Nashville Chamber Orchestra, John Jorgenson, Jean Michel Veillon, Catriona Macdonald, Seikou Keita, Xosé Manuel Budiño, Ewen Vernal and Andy Irvine.

He is also in great demand as a studio musician having contributed to over 60 albums. In addition to his solo output Tony has worked with both singers and instrumentalists providing his distinctive sound on many successful projects.

His 2009 release “The Makers’s Mark” saw him showcase 15 of the finest luthier built guitars available. Recording a solo piece on each instrument, the project caught the attention of the mainstream rock guitar press in a way that acoustic work rarely does.

The following year, a chance hearing on Irish radio led to an invite to contribute music to the soundtrack of Oscar winning director Neil Jordan’s film “Ondine” starring Colin Farrell.

Never one to be typecast, Tony’s new album “Mysterious Boundaries” is his most ambitious to date. An encouraging challenge from mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall to learn the Bach E Major Prelude on guitar led to an exploration of classical and baroque music – seemingly very different to the jigs and reels that he grew up with. By examining the boundaries between genres and sticking to his steel string guitar (rather than the conventional classical guitar) McManus has produced a work of great originality and beauty, hailed by his peers as “a masterpiece” (Renbourn), “beyond beautiful… it’s PERFECT!” (Tommy Emmanuel) and which contains a truly remarkable rendition of Bach’s colossal Chaconne in D Minor – one of the greatest compositions of any age.

Whatever work McManus brings within his scope the listener is assured a journey into the depths of the music in the company of a great talent.

Kingstown NEW Mississippi’s music is rooted in the blues and sways from punk to rockabilly. We are loud and fast yet everyone from the “college” crowd to “senior citizens” have no problem getting involved and getting excited about the music. Great dancing happens at any age.

Earl “Street Corner” Coleman (lead guitar), Freddie Vendetta (vocal and rhythm guitar), Duke Dorey (bass) and Gary Lavallee (drummer) doing a little something new and original to the traditions of the Blues. You’ll like where they are coming from and you’ll like where they’re going, especially, if you LOVE to DANCE. Yes! original music you can really dance to.

Tony Vani has been making music in the Belleville area for decades. Folks in the music community know him as a versatile performer, cranking out blues and classic rock with the Stir, gospel blues with Tony Vani and the Holy Blues Band, solo performances and some work with slide guitarist Kenny Pauze.

“Tony is a respected singer and guitarist, but it is his harmonica playing that really grabs me by the throat with harmonica lines that seem to emanate from the depths of a troubled soul. The best description for his playing is ‘authentic.’ I hear flashes of Charlie Musselwhite and the immortal Little Walter in some of his playing.” – David Reed, Belleville Intelligencer.

The Holy Blues band members consist of harmonica/vocalist Tony Vani, guitarist Matt Smith, bassist, Vitas Slapkauskas, and drummer Chris Lingard. Join them as they interpret the likes of Gospel Blues singers Fred McDowell, the Staple Singers and Reverent Gary Davis in a rootsy style that’s clearly close to their heart as well the bands R&B musical roots.

This contemplative and often thrilling quartet’s explorations of modern, original repertoire is led by a fast-rising star in Toronto’s jazz piano community — 26 year old NICK MACLEAN. Formed in 2016, Maclean’s foursome delivers jazz between the two poles of thoughtful introspection and powerhouse conveyance, taking influences from Herbie Hancock‘s primordial 1960’s Blue Note era recordings, while paying tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history.

The group is frequently lauded for the strength of their collective improvisatory vision and features one of Canada’s most provocative improvising trumpet-playing iconoclasts Brownman Ali, standing shoulder to shoulder with Maclean & two of Toronto’s top-tier rhythm section 20-somethings: Jesse Dietschi on bass and Tyler Goertzen on drums. The synergy of the 4 is always palpable in concert.

The quartet’s debut 11-track full-length album “Rites Of Ascension” features 6 Maclean-penned compositions, 1 Brownman original and 4 re-imagined Herbie Hancock classics, all recorded at the renowned Canterbury Studios in Toronto.

Produced by Brownman Ali, the new disc was released internationally on Browntasauras Records on October, 2017 and has won 3 ‘Gold’ Global Music Awards in the ‘jazz’, ‘band’, and ‘album’ categories; has been nominated for CJSF’s ‘2018 Julian Award of Excellence’; and was featured as one of the Global Music Awards’ ‘Top 5 Albums of Spring 2018’. The one Brownman original appearing on Rites Of Ascension entitled “Madness Of Nero”, was a semi-finalist at the 2017 International Song Competition(ISC) in the ‘jazz’ category.

Repeatedly regarded as a modern take on the ferocious and hard-swinging post-bop era, the group has been busy in the Canadian jazz club circuit and featured in numerous clubs, festivals and concert series including multiple appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival both as a featured ensemble and an often requested backing band. In addition to their original material, the ensemble has also mounted several popular tribute series to jazz masters including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry & Cole Porter.

David Henman (April Wine) joins Nicole Lisa Craig for her return to the Old Church. She describes herself as super sensitive to the world around her, at 6’3″ Nicole Lisa Craig stands tall and strong and can belt out a song with so much emotion and passion, taking her audiences on an emotional journey. Her songs have content beyond the typical song topics, offering messages of self empowerment, global awareness and universal connectivity.

Nicole love’s the music of the 60s and 70s, grew up with the alternative music of the 90s and has studied classically performing in symphony orchestras for over 7 years. These varied influences in her life, have come together to create a one of a kind musical experience, her latest album LIFT.

This album blends the emotion and dynamics of classical music with the storytelling of folk music, the edginess of alternative rock and the open creativeness of modern day underground pop. It features David Henman (co-founder of April Wine who is a Juno recipient and a Canadian Hall of Fame inductee) and Juno award winner Howard Baer on bass.

It’s music for our times crossing all borders, carrying a message that Nicole hopes will give listeners a sense of connection and a lift to a better place. This is especially important to Nicole since she has suffered personally with and has been surviving a winning battle against depression. We can all use a lift sometimes she says.

The first thing that grabs you is the voice. Crisp yet emotive and utterly indifferent to gravity, it glides then soars over a deceptively simple foundation of guitar and piano alternately conjuring jazzy pop and poppy jazz with a smidge of folk that’s utterly unlike anything you’ve heard before but something you instantly want to hear again.

​This is the music of Taylor Angus, the fast-emerging duo featuring namesake singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Taylor Angus and her partner, guitarist/songwriter Logan Brown.

Together, the pair – by their reckoning, spiritual cousins to Buckingham Nicks but musically closer to Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass – crafts original songs so unique yet accessible that their brilliant new six-track EP, Sympathy For You, can be viewed as both an artistic statement and a statement of intent.

​Recorded over a few intense days in winter 2017 at Hamilton’s Catherine North Studios with bassist Oscar Ansetti guesting, Sympathy For You is a snapshot of Taylor Angus and Logan Brown’s total convergence as a duo after performing solo: she at Ottawa Bluesfest and recording a demo with legendary producer Thom Panunzio at Interscope Studios in Los Angeles, and he winning multiple guitar and songwriting awards across Ontario.

​The duo’s easy harmony is palpable in songs like ‘Cry Me A River’ which finds Angus’ voice draped like a shawl across Brown’s supple acoustic guitar, and in the earwormy and sprightly ‘Your Choice’ which, along with plaintive ballad ‘Lay Down,’ features Brown sharing lead vocals for the first time.

​Though they tend to write songs separately, Angus and Brown confirm their status as a couple impacts their music. “There is a chemistry people pick up on,” Brown says. “We love each other and we love the songs and, without getting too cheesy, that’s prevalent whenever we perform. People just seem to get into a good mood… whether we’re playing a pub or a concert hall.”

​That Sympathy For You comes with 3D glasses to better enhance its cover image is further proof the couple follows their instinct no matter what. “It is an undertaking to include the glasses in the CD,” Angus laughs. “But we thought it would be cool.”

Sometimes, cool is enough… especially when you boast the inimitable sound and style of Taylor Angus.

Lovers of folk music and storytelling, join acts Kate Weekes and Moonfruits for a cozy bilingual evening of laughs and reverie. Both based in Eastern Ontario, Weekes and Moonfruits are crossing paths on the road and joining forces for a sweet double bill at Church!

Fronted by partners Alex Millaire and Kaitlin Milroy, Ottawa-based Moonfruits are makers of art-folk bilingue. In a forest of banjo, guitar, kalimba and glockenspiel, their voices burrow and soar. Here is a reverie, tender and powerful, beckoning listeners to elevate the stuff of everyday life.

Four-time 2019 Trille Or nominees, Moonfruits have toured Canada coast to coast, moving audiences with a live show that mixes French and English organically, playfully, intentionally. Their début full-length Ste-Quequepart (2017) \saint-kehk-pahr or Saint Somewhere\ is an elaborate small town fiction that explores the faces of gentrification, isolation and community.

“… a tremendous live act. They bring an emotional passion and authenticity to their music that truly makes their show come alive … they absolutely brought the house down.” — Jan Hall, Folk Roots Radio

With the release of her third solo album, Taken by Surprise (2019), singer/songwriter and guitarist Kate Weekes expertly maps the musical spot where landscapes and emotions converge via accessible, jazzy folk/pop inspired by the planet’s northernmost locales and the people in them. Alongside producer and multi-instrumentalist James Stephens, Weekes has created a dazzling sonic scrapbook of experiences which are buoyed by Weekes’ inimitable performance style and flair for storytelling.

“Kate Weekes has the ability to capture the Canadian state of being with deftly placed imagery like a painter covers the canvas in extraordinary colour. Totally an engaging human being, she is one of the new generation of new artists that have shaken the older generation of songwriters and music fans with clarity of purpose.” — Mitch Podolak, Home Routes